Grindstone Testament

Trust...

Such a simple word,

Until somebody gives you a reason to question everything you thought you

knew.

So

I learned something along the way:

Trust everyone... but don't trust anyone.

Sounds crazy, right?

Listen.

I walk through this life with my hand held out,

Giving people chances, never living in doubt.

I believe there's some good in the hearts that I meet,

But I learned every smile ain't as honest as it seems.

See, trust ain't weakness,

it's a powerful choice,

But wisdom says listen to that quiet inner voice.

Give respect freely, let your character show,

But don't hand out the keys before you really know.

I've seen friends turn strangers,

strangers turn friends, I've seen promises break and forgiveness make amends.

So I won't build a prison from the pain I've been through,

I'll believe in humanity,

but I'll watch what you do.

Trust everyone, but don't trust anyone,

Give 'em a chance,

but don't be blinded by the sun.

Keep your heart open,

keep your mind awake,

'Cause words can sound real while intentions can be fake.

Trust everyone, but don't trust anyone,

Love without fear, but remember where you're from.

Trust isn't given just because someone asks,

It's built through the truth when the truth gets put to the

test.

I don't want to live suspicious of the world,

Thinking every hidden hand has a dagger concealed.

That's no way to live,

that's a prison of fear,

Building walls so high nobody gets near.

But being kind doesn't mean I have to be blind,

I can forgive your mistakes and still remember the signs.

I can shake your hand without surrendering mine,

Give you room to prove yourself,

one moment at a time.

'Cause character speaks when nobody's around,

When there's nothing to gain and no applause from the crowd.

Don't tell me you're loyal,

let your actions explain,

'Cause sunshine makes promises,

but truth walks through rain.

Maybe trust ain't yes.

Maybe trust ain't no.

Maybe trust is something

that you slowly let grow.

Give kindness without conditions,

Give respect from the start,

But access to your life?

That's earned by the heart.

Don't become cold because somebody did you wrong.

Don't lose your faith in people because somebody wasn't strong.

Wisdom isn't hatred. Caution isn't fear.

Sometimes seeing people clearly is the reason you keep them near.

So trust the world enough to step outside,

Trust yourself enough to recognize a lie.

Trust love enough to give your heart another try,

But never let another person's truth replace what's in your eyes.

I carry no hatred for the ones who betrayed,

Every scar became a lesson,

every lesson got saved.

Not every hand is dangerous,

not every promise is true,

And sometimes the person you must trust the most...

is you.

Trust everyone, but don't trust anyone,

Walk with compassion when the darkness comes.

Keep your heart open,

but your wisdom alive,

'Cause trust without judgment can leave you blind.

Trust everyone, but don't trust anyone,

Not because you're bitter from the things they've done.

Believe in their goodness,

let their actions decide,

Give everyone respect... But let them earn your trust with time.

Trust everyone...

Enough to give them a chance.

Don't trust anyone...

Enough to give away your judgment.

Because an open heart is powerful.

But an open heart

with open eyes...

That's wisdom.